As Quebecers of all stripes marked the 2nd anniversary of the shooting at a Quebec City mosque, arguably the darkest hour in the province’s recent history, many were hopeful that something good would emerge from the tragedy.

“Our teachers tell us we must be like a tree: tall, strong and well-rooted,” said Riyad Merabi, the president of the Muslim Students Association, speaking at a vigil at McGill University.

“When struck with a stone, it does not sway, nor do its branches break. Rather, it drops beautiful fruit for all to benefit.”

It was a graceful metaphor for a community and a province that came together in mourning and remembrance for the six fathers killed and the 19 people wounded exactly two years ago.

In Montreal, several events were held Tuesday to remember the victims, starting with the vigil at McGill University, organized by the Associate Provost, the Institute of Islamic Studies, and the MSA.

How would we respond and remember this “wake-up call?” continued Merabi, a mechanical engineering student. Would we curse the anger and hatred or light a candle to illuminate the way through it?

“We are proud Muslims, proud McGill students and proud members of society. If we commit ourselves to love each other … the strength, brotherhood and companionship that we saw in the Quebec community after the shooting will only grow stronger and more beautiful with each passing day.”

Lina Bensaidane, a law student at McGIll and one of the organizers of the Muslim Awareness Week that began Friday, took to the podium to say that her pain motivated her to dispel the kind of hatred that led to the attack.

Born and raised in Quebec City, Bensaidane attended the CCIQ herself, most recently last Friday.

Her mother was at a charity event at the mosque hours before the shooting, and her father prayed there regularly. She used to babysit some of the children in the community — before they became orphans.

“My heart stopped when I heard what had happened,” she said. “The idea of losing a loved one like this — Thank God my father answered (the phone).”

“It’s hard to talk about this. It’s hard to remember it,” she said, in tears. “But this pain is a vector for change. This pain means we can’t forget. And our political situation won’t allow us to forget.”

She and others argued for everyone — not just Muslims — to fight the stigmatization and hatred of the Muslim community.

The community is not an alienated community, but is made up of people like her, Bensaidane said — with her thick Québécois accent and all.

Mouloud Idir, of the Centre Justice et Foi, said we have to stop debating whether Islamophobia exists, and pressure decision-makers to take a firm position against it.

“Many political parties still refuse to admit that there is Islamophobia in Quebec and that the attack on the Great Mosque was an Islamophobic act.”

And it’s not the stigmatizing laws in the name of a secular state that will make things better, Idir said.

“To be Muslim and Québécois is not a contradiction.”

Mayor Valerie Plante, left, and Samer Majzoub, president of the Canadian Muslim Forum, light one of six candles during a brief ceremony on Tuesday to commemorate the mass shooting at a Quebec City mosque two years ago.Pierre Obendrauf /
Montreal Gazette

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante marked the anniversary by inviting religious leaders of all faiths to speak at city hall. Other commemorations were held throughout the city, including in Verdun, Montreal North and Côte-des-Neiges.

“We are all gathered for peace and hope,” Plante said on her Twitter account following the event.

In Quebec City, Mayor Régis Labeaume and Boufeldja Benabdallah, president of the Quebec mosque, unveiled a model of a monument to be erected in 2020 in memory of the victims — one part in front of the mosque, and a second part across the street, in front of the church, to symbolize the bridge between the two communities.

“We can’t erase this terrible day, but we can pay homage to the victims and say we are still thinking of them and that in Quebec City we know how to live together,” Labeaume said.

Artist Luce Pelletier, from the left, and Quebec City mayor Régis Labeaume unveil a miniature model of a memorial to honour the six victims of the 2017 Quebec City mosque shooting.Jacques Boissinot /
THE CANADIAN PRESS

On Tuesday evening, Quebec Premier François Legault was among hundreds who attended a commemoration ceremony at Université Laval.

Large banners were unveiled in honour of each victim. One-word descriptions of the victims, chosen by their respective families, were read aloud as each banner was unfurled: Smiling Mamadou, intelligent Ibrahima, devoted Khaled, pious Abdelkrim, brave Azzeddine, and generous Aboubaker.

“I can’t imagine the horror that must have overwhelmed you when faced with all this violence,” Legault said in a speech while addressing the victims’ families.

“I hope you feel this wind of solidarity and that it brings you some comfort. That’s the true face of Quebec: a united people that can show solidarity.

“You are not alone. All of Quebec remembers. We are by your side and we will remain there forever.”

Last year, commemorations were spread over four days and ended with an outdoor gathering that included hundreds of people and the leaders of all federal and provincial political parties.

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